Aerys
Primarily a boy's name with 49 recorded births. Also given to 16 girls.
Meaning & Origin
Aerys reads as a modern invention — a name that emerged in the 2010s and was likely coined by parents looking for something fresh rather than inherited.
The sharp, distinct quality of its ending — ending on a consonant gives it a firm, clear close — keeps the name compact and easy to pair with longer middle names or surnames.
In the most recent SSA release, Aerys ranks #12353 among U.S. boy names — distinctive enough to stand out.
Aerys is a boy's and girl's baby name of modern origin, most recognized as the name of Aerys II Targaryen — the 'Mad King' in George R.R. Martin's A Song of Ice and Fire and Game of Thrones. The name has a Greek quality (from aer, 'air') and a distinctly Valyrian sound. Despite its fictional villain association, the name's musical quality has attracted parents who love the HBO universe.
Aerys carries one of Game of Thrones' most consequential characters — the Mad King whose assassination set the entire saga in motion, whose words 'burn them all' echo through the entire series. A name of Valyrian grandeur and historical weight within its fictional universe.
EtymologyShow more
Aerys appeared in SSA records in 2017, placing it in the modern era of American naming — a period when parents increasingly draw from global cultures, invent new names, and blend sounds to create something entirely original. The absence of a clear traditional origin is itself a signal: this may be a name that was created rather than inherited.
With only 49 recorded births, Aerys has not been widely studied in naming literature — its story belongs primarily to the families who chose it.
At a Glance
Popularity Over Time
Aerys has 7+ years of history in the U.S., first appearing in 2017.
Popularity by Decade
| Decade | Births | Avg Rank | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020s | 25 | #10829 | ▲ |
| 2010s | 24 | #8939 | — |
The Story of Aerys
A Gen Alpha name
Peaking in 2018, Aerys is a fresh, modern favorite. Boys named Aerys are most likely born between 2017 and 2024.
How rare is Aerys?
Only about 1 in every 720,000 babies born in 2024 was named Aerys — a truly uncommon choice.
The journey through the decades
First appeared in the records in 2017, peaked in the 2020s with 25 births that decade.
Aerys by the numbers
- Would fill 1 school bus
Year-by-Year Data
View complete yearly data(7 years, 2017–2024)
| Year | Births | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 5 | #12353 |
| 2023 | 8 | #8937 |
| 2022 | 7 | #9848 |
| 2021 | 5 | #12179 |
| 2019 | 7 | #9784 |
| 2018 | 9 | #8169 |
| 2017 | 8 | #8865 |
Source: U.S. Social Security Administration. Showing years with 5+ recorded births.
Aerys as a Girl's Name
Though more common for boys, Aerys has a notable history as a girl's name too, with 16 births since 2018.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Aerys a boy's or girl's name?
When was Aerys most popular?
How popular is the name Aerys?
Can Aerys be used for both boys and girls?
Data source: U.S. Social Security Administration, 2017–2024